Nobel Prize Winners 2025: Full List, Categories
Gajendra Singh Godara
Oct 8, 2025
12
mins read
Every year, the world pauses to honour individuals whose work redefines what humanity can achieve — through science, peace, or the power of words. Alfred Nobel himself, famous for inventing dynamite, believed his inventions could promote peace, famously saying his dynamite would “sooner lead to peace than a thousand world conventions”. In his 1895 will he dedicated 94% of his fortune to fund prizes for those who have conferred “the greatest benefit to mankind”. Nobel Prizes are thus a celebration of knowledge guided by empathy — values that resonate with the ethical and global-vision themes UPSC aspirants study.
Alfred Nobel’s legacy took shape in 1901 when the first prizes were awarded. They cover six fields today:
Physics – groundbreaking discoveries in nature and the universe.
Chemistry – exceptional achievements in chemical sciences.
Physiology or Medicine – discoveries that enhance human health.
Literature – distinguished literary work.
Peace – efforts to promote peace and resolve conflict.
Economic Sciences – (established 1968 by Sweden’s central bank in Nobel’s honor).
Each prize is awarded annually by a designated body:
the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (for Physics, Chemistry and Economic Sciences),
the Karolinska Institute (Medicine),
the Swedish Academy (Literature), and
the Norwegian Nobel Committee (Peace).
Nobel Prizes stand for hope and innovation. Over 1,000 laureates have been honored, and the award “encourages innovation, honours work that improves human life and society, and inspires future generations” - ideals at the heart of public service.
Each Nobel Prize laureate receives:
Gold medal – symbolizing honor and achievement
Diploma – personally signed by the awarding institution
Cash award – varies annually based on Nobel Foundation funds (in 2023 & 2024: approximately 11 million Swedish kronor, over $1 million USD)
What does this mean for the world?
The 2025 winners – once fully announced – highlight current global priorities. For example, the 2025 Medicine laureates’ work on immune tolerance promises new treatments for cancer and autoimmune disease. Last year’s prizes emphasized AI and biotechnology (e.g. Nobel Prize 2024 Physics and Chemistry went to AI pioneers), while 2025’s early focus on health research suggests the world is again prioritizing public health and sustainability. This shift reflects how societies redefine progress – a theme often explored in UPSC essays.
The 2025 Physics laureates (announced Oct 7) have yet to be revealed, but we can draw inspiration from past trends. In 2024, AI pioneers John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton won the Physics Prize for foundational work on neural networks, showing how basic science can revolutionize technology. Whatever the 2025 discovery, it will embody years of dedication to uncovering nature’s secrets.
The 2025 Chemistry Prize (to be announced Oct 8) will honor cutting-edge chemistry. Recent Nobel chemistry awards (e.g. 2024 to Demis Hassabis, John Jumper, David Baker for protein-folding AI) underscore how chemistry intersects with technology and medicine. The new laureates might advance green chemistry, materials science, or drug design – all fields that require international collaboration.
On October 6, 2025, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell (USA), and Shimon Sakaguchi (Japan) for their pioneering discoveries in immunology. Their research uncovered the crucial role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) — immune system “peacekeepers” that prevent the body from attacking its own tissues. Central to this mechanism is the FOXP3 gene, which regulates Treg formation and function, maintaining immune balance and preventing autoimmune disorders.
This discovery has revolutionized the understanding and treatment of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and has opened new avenues for immune-based cancer therapies. The work exemplifies how careful experimentation and persistent inquiry can yield profound medical insights. Mary Brunkow’s story of learning about her win when awoken by her dog adds a human touch, highlighting the humility, curiosity, and perseverance behind scientific breakthroughs that benefit humanity.
The Nobel Literature Prize (announced Oct 9) honors writers whose words touch us deeply. Last year’s winner, South Korean novelist Han Kang, was praised for prose that confronts trauma and “exposes the fragility of human life”. This year’s laureate might similarly give voice to underrepresented stories or global issues, reminding us how literature can cultivate empathy.
The Nobel Peace Prize (announced Oct 10) typically recognizes courageous efforts in conflict resolution and human rights. In 2024 it went to Nihon Hidankyo, the group of Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors, for their decades-long campaign to abolish nuclear weapons. In 2025, amid crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and elsewhere, the prize will likely spotlight advocates of peace and justice.
The 2024 Economics Prize honored Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James Robinson “for analysis of how institutions shape growth”. Future laureates might focus on issues like inequality, climate economics, or global development. The Economics Nobel often bridges theory with practical solutions for society.
India’s Nobel laureates embody intellect, compassion, and service. From Tagore’s poetic insight to Sen’s economic reforms, each reminds us that knowledge paired with empathy can transform society — a timeless lesson for civil servants and citizens alike.
Name | Year | Field | Contribution / Recognition |
Rabindranath Tagore | 1913 | Literature | First Asian Nobel laureate; honored for Gitanjali and his poetic vision. |
C.V. Raman | 1930 | Physics | Discovery of the “Raman Effect” — scattering of light. |
Har Gobind Khorana | 1968 | Medicine | Research on the genetic code and synthesis of nucleotides. |
Mother Teresa | 1979 | Peace | Work for the poor and destitute through Missionaries of Charity. |
S. Chandrasekhar | 1983 | Physics | Theoretical studies on stellar evolution and the “Chandrasekhar limit.” |
Amartya Sen | 1998 | Economics | Welfare economics and work on social justice and poverty. |
V.S. Naipaul | 2001 | Literature | Exploration of identity, post-colonial society, and human experience. |
Venkatraman Ramakrishnan | 2009 | Chemistry | Studies on the structure and function of the ribosome. |
Kailash Satyarthi | 2014 | Peace | Campaigns for child rights and against child labor. |
Abhijit Banerjee | 2019 | Economics | Experimental approach to alleviating global poverty. |
The Nobel Prize is more than an award—it is a global recognition of excellence, compassion, and human progress. Instituted in 1901 by Alfred Nobel, it honours individuals and institutions that have made remarkable contributions to humanity across science, literature, economics, and peace.
1. Symbol of Human Progress
The Nobel Prize celebrates the spirit of inquiry and innovation that drives human civilization forward. It honours discoveries and ideas that have expanded knowledge, improved lives, and inspired social reform.
2. Encouragement for Innovation and Research
It motivates scientists, economists, and writers to pursue new frontiers of understanding. The recognition not only validates years of hard work but also inspires future breakthroughs in diverse fields.
3. Recognition of Global Impact
Each Nobel laureate represents a contribution that has lasting benefits for humanity—be it a scientific invention, an economic theory, or a movement for peace and justice.
4. Inspiration for Future Generations
The stories of Nobel laureates serve as role models for students, researchers, and civil servants, demonstrating how perseverance and moral conviction can lead to transformative change.
5. Promotion of Peace and Global Cooperation
The Nobel Peace Prize reinforces the values of non-violence, dialogue, and tolerance. It acknowledges leaders and organizations that promote harmony, human rights, and conflict resolution.
6. Interdisciplinary and Ethical Relevance
By covering diverse categories—Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Economics, and Peace—the Nobel Prize highlights how science, art, and ethics together shape a better world.
7. Strengthening Moral and Intellectual Leadership
The Nobel tradition emphasizes that true greatness lies not only in intelligence but also in compassion, humility, and a commitment to human welfare—qualities essential for leadership and governance.
8. Reflecting the Ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
The Prize’s international character mirrors the Indian principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the belief that the world is one family, united by shared values and aspirations.
Conclusion
Nobel Prizes remind us that knowledge guided by empathy can truly change the world. Every laureate’s journey – whether in a lab, a library, or a peace mission – teaches perseverance and purpose. For UPSC aspirants, the lesson is clear: aim not just to succeed, but to serve with integrity and vision. In your current affairs reading and Ethics case studies, look for Nobel-inspired examples of leadership and innovation. By drawing on these values, future civil servants can help build a more enlightened, humane India.
UPSC Notification 2025 was released on 22nd January 2025.
UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025 are available now.
UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.
The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.
UPSC Mains 2025 will be conducted on 22nd August 2025.
UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.
The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.
UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!
UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.
